RA Factor | Arthritis Information

 

Since I was diagnosed with RA last year, I have only had one blood test where the RA Factor was tested.  I got a 509.

The RF (Rheumatoid Factor) can definitely fluctuate and can also go from negative to positive or positive to negative.  My initial RF was 0, and I had it re-tested after a year to check and it was still 0.  For those who have a positive RF, I don't know how often it's typically checked.there is some flucuation but once a diagnosis is made there is no reason to check the factor again as there has not been a measurable relationship between treatment effctiveness and the rheumaoid factorWell, look at that!  I'm agreeing with Buckeye!  But from a different viewpoint than most.  I'm not sure the tests are as sensitive as all that, nor have I seen posts that corralate pain levels to RF.

I thought I once read that RF goes down with successful treatment.  I'll see if I can find a link to that.

I had a high RF when I was 1st dx'd over 20 years ago and then it wasn't tested again until I had an awful flare in 2006 and it was high then. I think there are other blood tests that are better indicators of inflamation, because when I go see the dr and she looks at the blood work, she says they indicate the Remicade is working and RF isn't one of those tests.My RD tested the RF at my first visit.  It was positive at that time.  He never checked it again.BTW, the reason I had mine re-checked a year later wasn't medical.  I'm facing long term disability and my insurance provider only gives 2.5 years of benefits if you're sero-negative (apparently no one's told them that RF isn't a good indicator
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